Sports Physicals

If you or your child needs a sports physical to participate in any type of athletics this year, we can help. We can schedule a sports physical that will be comprehensive and convenient.

Why Sports Physicals Are Required?

There are significant health benefits to participating in any type of athletics, but there are also significant health risks as well. A sports physical is intended to make sure you are prepared to take advantage of the benefits with a minimum risk for sports related injuries. Sports physicals include:

Assessing your general health

Determining your fitness and conditioning level

Detect congenital conditions and genetic risk factors that may put you in danger during participation

Evaluate your recovery from prior injury

Evaluate the size and developmental state of a child participating in sports

These all have to be taken seriously. Participating in sports when you have inadequate conditioning or serious risk factors will make you more likely to suffer serious injuries that could disable you for life. You may even be at risk for sudden death due to poor conditioning or certain health factors.

What Happens in a Sports Physical?

A sports physical consists of two parts, a medical history and a physical examination.Your medical history evaluation focuses on incidents that have happened in your life that may affect your ability to participate, such as illnesses or injuries that may have resulted in permanent damage to your lungs or other tissues, as well as any genetic predispositions that may put you at risk. You will also be asked about any drugs you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.

During the physical examination, you will have a thorough physical examination which will start with basics like height, weight, and blood pressure. The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs to determine their health. You may be asked to elevate your heart rate as part of the exam. A sports physical will also include tests of your strength and flexibility.

Why Choose a Primary Care Doctor for Your Sports Physical?

Your primary care doctor is uniquely positioned to give you a quick, comprehensive, and accurate sports physical. Your doctor already knows most of the important information about your medical history, and will also know if there are any important issues to look out for during your physical, which could lead to a better physical. Your regular doctor is in a better position to judge when something is a concern and when it is not, which means you are less likely to be referred to specialists for evaluation or be needlessly denied the ability to participate.

To schedule a sports physical with Dr. Andy Fine, please book an appointment at our office in Littleton, CO.